Moving overseas in 2025 can feel expensive; but what if the country pays you to move there? Across Europe and Latin America, several countries now offer lucrative relocation packages covering travel, tuition, and living expenses.
Best of all, they actively fast-track your visa, requiring minimal effort on your part.
What countries pay people to relocate in 2025?
In 2025, governments in Chile, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Greece, and Denmark have launched attractive incentive programs aimed at reversing rural decline, revitalizing local economies, and closing demographic gaps. These programs typically:
- Offer cash subsidies for relocation and settlement
- Provide visa assistance and fast-track processes
- Require 1–5 year residency commitments
- Sometimes mandate job or business creation
Why do countries pay newcomers to move there?
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Many rural or under-populated regions suffer from shrinking populations, brain drain, and derelict properties. By offering cash incentives and visa facilitation, governments aim to:
- Reverse population decline: encourage families to move in
- Attract skilled talent: spur new businesses and services
- Renovate abandoned housing: boost tourism and infrastructure
These relocation packages serve a dual purpose: revitalizing communities and offering life-changing opportunities to motivated individuals.
How much money can you get to move abroad?
Your compensation depends on the country and program:
- Chile (Start-Up Chile): Up to $80K equity-free startup funding
- Italy (Invest Your Talent): €10K grant + 1-year visa; Candela offers €800–2K
- Ireland (Our Living Islands): Up to €84K for housing/family support
- Spain (Entrepreneur Visa): Around $50K funding; Ponga offers €3K per adult + €3K per child
- Greece (Antikythera): €500/month stipend for 3 years (~€18K total)
- Denmark (Start-Up Denmark): Up to 143,328 DKK (~$21K), more if you have dependents
Programs may include visa, travel, housing, income support, and integrated services.
What is Start-Up Chile and who is eligible?
Start-Up Chile targets international entrepreneurs aiming to launch scalable startups in Santiago. The program offers:
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- Up to $80,000 in equity-free funding
- A one-year visa, with renewal options
- Three tracks; Build, Ignite, Growth; for various stages of startup maturity
To qualify, you must provide a solid business plan, pitch deck, and entrepreneurial experience. This is the perfect program if you’re ready to enter Chile’s booming tech ecosystem.
What is Italy’s “Invest Your Talent” scholarship?
Invest Your Talent in Italy helps international students:
- With a €10,000 scholarship
- A one-year student visa for enrolled specific courses
- Eligibility varies by country of residence and field of study
For non-students, small towns like Candela offer €800–2,000 to relocate; provided you secure a job paying at least €7,500 per year and commit to live locally.
How does Ireland’s “Our Living Islands” grant work?
Under this program, the Irish government offers up to €84,000 to individuals and families relocating to small Atlantic islands. Requirements include:
- Purchasing and refurbishing a vacant, pre-1993 property
- Staying on the island for several years
- Being part of local community life
It’s ideal for outdoor lovers who want a life in lush, scenic settings; while receiving generous relocation support.
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What support do Spain’s relocation programs provide?
Spain offers options for entrepreneurs and rural settlers:
- Entrepreneur Visa: Up to $50,000 funding for new business ventures, plus a one-year visa
- Ponga (Asturias): €3,000 per adult + €3,000 per child for families relocating to this tiny northern village, with a minimum five-year residency requirement
Both programs focus on repopulation and economic revitalization.
What is Greece’s Antikythera relocation stipend?
Antikythera, a small Aegean island offers €500/month for up to three years. Residents must:
- Commit to living for at least 3 years
- Participate in local life and help revitalize a historic community
This stipend covers some living expenses and supports island repopulation efforts.
What’s included in Denmark’s Start-Up Denmark?
For innovating entrepreneurs, Denmark’s program covers:
- 143,328 DKK (~$21K) base funding
- Additional support for spouses/children
- Fast-tracked residency, work permit, health care
- Focus on cleantech, life sciences, design, and tech startups
You’ll build your business in a well-regulated EU environment with full family integration.
FAQs answered in detail
1. Can you really get paid to move abroad?
Yes; several countries offer cash grants, startup funding, or monthly stipends to attract newcomers. Incentives range from several hundred euros to tens of thousands, depending on the region and program.
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2. Do these programs require you to stay long-term?
Yes. Typically, relocation packages demand 1–10 year commitments; ranging from short-term student or startup visas to multi-year residency schemes.
3. Who is eligible for relocation grants overseas?
Eligibility depends on program type:
- Entrepreneurs must propose viable businesses
- Students must enroll in eligible courses
- General movers often need job offers and family relocation plans
4. What are the pros and cons of relocation incentives?
Pros: Free money, visa facilitation, integration help.
Cons: Long stay commitments, potential bureaucracy, and property purchase requirements.
5. Can families receive relocation grants too?
Yes, many programs offer extra support per spouse/child (e.g., Ireland’s €84K, Spain’s Ponga, Denmark’s Start-Up).
6. Do I need to buy property to qualify?
Some programs (like Ireland, Italy) do require purchasing or renovating homes. Others, like Chile or Denmark, do not.
7. How do I apply for these programs?
Applications usually include:
- Proof of funds/financing
- Business/study plan (for entrepreneurs/students)
- Job offer (for towns requiring employment)
- Visa forms and background checks
8. Is the money taxable?
Visas and stipends may be tax-free or taxed; consult a local tax advisor about income, property, or business taxes.
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9. Can these offers lead to permanent residency?
Often yes. Visa programs may be renewable and can lead to permanent residence or citizenship, depending on national laws.
10. What are the costs to relocate besides the grant?
Consider additional expenses like housing, utilities, moving costs, health insurance, transport, taxes, and property refurbishment.
Final word: Should you move somewhere that pays you?
If you’re ready to fully dive into a new culture, life rhythm, and community, yes. With grants of up to €84K or $80K, free visas, and visa facilitation, these relocation programs offer more than just financial aid; they offer a chance to reshape your life abroad.